From CNET: Sprint believes it can take the checkered flag when it comes to the great 5G race.
The nation's fourth-largest wireless carrier by subscribers has set a goal of building the first nationwide mobile 5G network by early 2019, CEO Marcelo Claure said on a conference call with analysts on Friday. He added the company plans to launch commercial service and offer handsets at that time.
Sprint is the latest carrier to make noise about 5G, one of the most exciting trends in tech because of its ability to offer super high and comprehensive wireless coverage, powering other new areas like self-driving cars and streaming virtual reality service. The US carriers are racing to be the first to get to 5G, with each taking a different path.
Sprint believes it has the unique combination of assets to more quickly upgrade to 5G, noting its existing deployment of "Magic Box" small cells, that act as small cellular sites, infrastructure deals from cable companies like Altice and Cox and its unique spectrum holdings. Claure said Sprint is working with Qualcomm to release 5G chipsets compatible with its network and phone makers to release devices.
"We are more excited than ever in terms of putting Sprint back at the forefront of technology," he said.
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